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compositionComposition:LEVETIRACETAM-250MG
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Prescription Medicine
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Epifast 250 Tablet is used to treat seizures (fits) due to epilepsy. It is used for the epilepsy form in which the fits affect only one side of the brain, but could extend to larger areas on both sides of the brain. It contains Levetiracetam, which works by slowing down the abnormal signals in the brain which cause episodes of seizures. It helps by suppressing specific brain sites responsible for abnormal activity and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures. In some cases, you may experience side effects such as daytime drowsiness, disturbed sleep, light-headedness, dizziness, sleepiness, general weakness, and unexplained infections. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.

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Written By Dr. Lakshmithulasi Yarragunta , PharmD (PB)
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

LEVETIRACETAM-250MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Mankind Pharma Pvt Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

NPPA :

Regulated

About Epifast 250 Tablet

Epifast 250 Tablet is a prescription medication used to help control and prevent various types of seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. It works by calming abnormal electrical signals in the brain to prevent sudden seizure activity. This medicine is a key part of long-term seizure management.

To keep your seizures well-controlled, you must take Epifast 250 Tablet regularly at the same times every day, typically twice daily. You can take this oral medicine with or without food, but staying consistent with your choice helps keep drug levels steady in your body. Simple lifestyle adjustments, such as getting enough sleep and avoiding stress, can also greatly improve your treatment results.

While taking Epifast 250 Tablet , you may experience mild side effects like drowsiness or feeling dizzy. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice severe mood changes, extreme irritability, or thoughts of self-harm, as these require prompt medical attention.

Before starting this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, as your dose may need to be adjusted, or if you have a history of depression or mood disorders. Do not take this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients.

Taking Epifast 250 Tablet with alcohol can significantly increase drowsiness and raise your risk of seizures, so it is best to avoid alcohol completely. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, you should discuss the specific risks and benefits with your doctor to ensure this medicine is safe for your situation.
 

Uses of Epifast 250 Tablet

Epifast 250 Tablet is prescribed to help control different types of seizures and improve seizure management in both adults and children. Your doctor may recommend this medicine for the following conditions:

  • Partial onset seizures: Epifast 250 Tablet helps reduce the number of seizures that start in one specific area of the brain, both in adults and children.
  • Myoclonic seizures: This medicine is used to control sudden, involuntary muscle jerks in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
  • Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures: It helps prevent severe, full-body seizures that cause shaking and loss of consciousness in patients with generalized epilepsy.

Key Benefits

When taken as prescribed, Epifast 250 Tablet offers several important benefits for seizure control and overall quality of life, including:

  • Reduces Seizure Frequency: Helps reduce the frequency of seizures, allowing for better day-to-day functioning and independence.
  • Promotes a More Predictable Lifestyle: Supports a more predictable lifestyle by lowering the risk of unexpected seizure episodes.
  • Improves Confidence in Daily Activities: Improves confidence in performing daily activities such as working, studying, travelling, and spending time with family.
  • Helps Prevent Seizure-Related Injuries: Helps protect against injuries and accidents that may occur during seizures.
  • Supports Long-Term Seizure Control: Supports long-term seizure management when taken consistently as part of a treatment plan.
  • Fewer Drug Interactions: Has relatively few clinically significant drug interactions compared with many older anti-seizure medicines.
  • Compatible with Combination Therapy: Can be used alongside other prescribed treatments with less concern about complex medication interactions.
  • Enhances Quality of Life: Contributes to an improved overall quality of life by helping maintain better seizure control.
     
Side effects of Epifast 250 Tablet
  • Rest well; get enough sleep.
  • Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water.
  • Manage stress with yoga and meditation.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine.
  • Physical activities like walking or jogging might help boost energy and make you feel less tired.
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery or activities that require high focus until you know how the medication affects you.
  • Maintain a fixed sleeping schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your sleeping space is comfortable to maximize your sleep quality.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine as these may worsen drowsiness and disturb sleep patterns.
  • Drink plenty of water as it helps with alertness and keeps you hydrated and for overall well-being.
  • Moderate physical activity can improve energy levels, but avoid intense workouts right before bedtime.
Dealing with Medication-Induced Headache:
  • Hydrate your body: Drink enough water to prevent dehydration and headaches.
  • Calm Your Mind: Deep breathing and meditation can help you relax and relieve stress.
  • Rest and Recharge: Sleep for 7-8 hours to reduce headache triggers.
  • Take rest: lie down in a quiet, dark environment.
  • Cold or warm compresses can help reduce tension.
  • Stay Upright: Maintain good posture to keep symptoms from getting worse.
  • To treat headaches naturally, try acupuncture or massage therapy.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  • Prescription Assistance: Speak with your doctor about more substantial drug alternatives.
  • Severe Headaches: Seek emergency medical assistance for sudden, severe headaches.
  • Frequent Headaches: If you get reoccurring headaches, consult your doctor.
  • Headaches with Symptoms: Seek medical attention if your headaches include fever, disorientation, or weakness.
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of infections.
  • Wear masks, gloves and other protective clothing.
  • Cover sneezes and coughs with a medical mask or tissue or your elbow.
  • Take vaccinations to enhance your immunity to specific diseases.
  • Clean your utensils, linen and surfaces regularly.
  • Rest well; get enough sleep.
  • Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water.
  • Manage stress with yoga and meditation.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine.
  • Physical activities like walking or jogging might help boost energy and make you feel less tired.
  • If you have a bad cough that lasts a long time after taking the medication, consult your doctor about other treatment options.
  • Drink plenty of water to help soothe your throat.
  • Use an air humidifier to keep the air moist, especially if the air is dry.
  • Stay away from dust, smoke, and other pollutants in the air that can irritate your throat.
  • Sleep with your head raised on extra pillows.
  • Try gargling with warm salt water for relief.
Here are the 7 steps to manage Dizziness caused by medication:
  • Inform your doctor about dizziness symptoms. They may adjust your medication regimen or prescribe additional medications to manage symptoms.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions for taking medication, and take it at the same time every day to minimize dizziness.
  • When standing up, do so slowly and carefully to avoid sudden dizziness.
  • Avoid making sudden movements, such as turning or bending quickly, which can exacerbate dizziness.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help alleviate dizziness symptoms.
  • If you're feeling dizzy, sit or lie down and rest until the dizziness passes.
  • Track when dizziness occurs and any factors that may trigger it, and share this information with your doctor to help manage symptoms.

Directions for Use

  • Epifast 250 Tablet can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
  • Swallow Epifast 250 Tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not crush, break, or chew it.

How Epifast 250 Tablet Works

Epifast 250 Tablet contains levetiracetam, an antiepileptic medicine that helps control seizures by stabilising electrical activity in the brain. Levetiracetam works by attaching to a specific protein in the brain called synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A). This protein plays an important role in controlling the release of chemical messengers that allow brain cells to communicate with one another. By binding to this protein, levetiracetam helps regulate the release of these chemical signals. This action helps prevent the abnormal and excessive electrical activity that can trigger seizures. By keeping brain cell activity more stable, levetiracetam reduces the likelihood of seizures starting or spreading throughout the brain. Together, these actions help control seizures and support normal brain function in people with epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
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Alcohol

Unsafe

You are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Epifast 250 Tablet to avoid unpleasant side-effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness. It may also lead to a life-threatening condition like coma if taken with excessive alcohol.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Epifast 250 Tablet is a Category C risk pregnancy drug that is considered unsafe for pregnant women. Epifast 250 Tablet can have some harmful effects on the baby (fetus), so your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Epifast 250 Tablet passes into breast milk and may affect the baby's health. So, inform your doctor if your are breastfeeding before starting the treatment.

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Driving

Unsafe

Epifast 250 Tablet usually causes dizziness, drowsiness, and visual disturbances, which may affect their ability to drive or operate machinery. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy after taking Epifast 250 Tablet . Tell your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.

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Liver

Caution

Epifast 250 Tablet to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

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Kidney

Caution

Epifast 250 Tablet to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disorders. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor. Do not give Epifast 250 Tablet to dialysis patients and kidney failure patients.

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Children

Unsafe

It is not known whether Epifast 250 Tablet is safe or effective in treating conditions like panic disorder in children younger than 18 years old. So, your doctor will decide whether Epifast 250 Tablet can be given to the children less than 18 years of age or not.

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Heart

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor before using Epifast 250 Tablet if you have pre-existing heart problems. Your doctor will prescribe Epifast 250 Tablet if the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Geriatrics

Consult your doctor

Epifast 250 Tablet should be used with caution in geriatric patients. Please consult your physician.

What if I have taken an overdose of Epifast 250 Tablet

If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately or call a poison control centre. Symptoms of taking too much of this medicine may include severe drowsiness, agitation, or trouble breathing.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule: Maintain a regular sleep schedule, as sleep deprivation is one of the most common triggers for seizures.
  • Keep a Seizure Diary: Keep a daily seizure diary to write down when seizures happen, what you were doing, and if you missed any doses of Epifast 250 Tablet . This helps your doctor optimise your treatment.
  • Avoid Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely, as it can lower your seizure threshold and make the sleepiness from your medicine much worse.
  • Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities, such as deep breathing or light walking, because physical and emotional stress can trigger seizure activity.
     
health query

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Epifast 250 Tablet to start to work: The time required for Epifast 250 Tablet to show its action is unknown. The time for which the effects of Epifast 250 Tablet last: The effect of Epifast 250 Tablet lasts for 2 days.

What if you forget to take Epifast 250 Tablet

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage

• Store Epifast 250 Tablet tablets and oral solution at room temperature, strictly between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Drug Warnings

  • Do Not Stop Treatment Suddenly: Never stop taking Epifast 250 Tablet suddenly, as doing so can trigger continuous, severe seizures that are difficult to stop.
  • Use Caution with Driving and Machinery: Avoid driving, riding a bike, or operating heavy machinery until you are completely sure how this medicine affects your alertness.
  • Check the Oral Solution Before Use: If you use the oral liquid solution, check the bottle before each use; the liquid should be clear and colourless. Do not take it if it looks cloudy or has floating particles.
  • Inform Healthcare Providers: Tell all your healthcare providers, including your dentist and any surgeons, that you are taking Epifast 250 Tablet before having any medical procedures.
  • Monitor Changes in Mood or Behaviour: Ask a close family member or caregiver to monitor you for any sudden mood swings, anger, or depressive thoughts when you first start taking this medicine.
     

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, as some drugs may interact with Epifast 250 Tablet and increase the risk of side effects or affect your treatment:

  • Sedatives or sleeping pills: Taking these alongside Epifast 250 Tablet can significantly increase extreme sleepiness and lower your alertness.
  • Other seizure medicines: While Epifast 250 Tablet has few interactions, combining it with other anti-seizure drugs can sometimes alter how your body processes them, so close monitoring is recommended.
     
LevetiracetamDeferiprone
Severe
LevetiracetamBuprenorphine
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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LevetiracetamDeferiprone
Severe
How does the drug interact with Epifast 250 Tablet:
Coadministration of deferiprone with Epifast 250 Tablet can increase the toxicity of the other.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Epifast 250 Tablet with Deferiprone together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
LevetiracetamBuprenorphine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Epifast 250 Tablet:
Using buprenorphine together with Epifast 250 Tablet can cause central nervous system depression (a physiological state that can result in a decreased rate of breathing, decreased heart rate, and loss of consciousness).

How to manage the interaction:
Concomitant administration of Epifast 250 Tablet alongside buprenorphine can result in an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. Do not exceed the doses, frequency, or duration of usage advised by a doctor. You should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
LevetiracetamKetamine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Epifast 250 Tablet:
Using ketamine together with Epifast 250 Tablet may increase side effects (dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, excessive sedation, and respiratory depression).

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Ketamine and Epifast 250 Tablet, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by a doctor. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
LevetiracetamSodium oxybate
Severe
How does the drug interact with Epifast 250 Tablet:
Using sodium oxybate together with Epifast 250 Tablet may increase side effects (drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, depression, low blood pressure, slow or shallow breathing, and impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination).

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Epifast 250 Tablet with Sodium oxybate together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

Certain foods and beverages may increase the risk of side effects or interfere with seizure control while taking this medicine:

  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol entirely, as it interacts with this medicine to cause severe drowsiness and significantly increases your risk of having a seizure.
     
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[ANTICONVULSANT]

FAQs

Epifast 250 Tablet is used to treat seizures (fits) due to epilepsy.
Epifast 250 Tablet works by slowing down the abnormal signals in the brain which cause episodes of seizures.
There is no clinical evidence that Epifast 250 Tablet affects fertility in either men or women. But, if you are trying to get pregnant, consult your doctor.
Do not stop taking Epifast 250 Tablet until instructed by your doctor. You may get side effects like confusion, depression, nervousness, sweating, and diarrhea. Your doctor may lower the dose of Epifast 250 Tablet if using it for more than 2-4 weeks of treatment to reduce side effects.
Epifast 250 Tablet is prescribed for the long term when used for epilepsy. So, if Epifast 250 Tablet is prescribed for more than 4 weeks, your doctor may reduce the dose before stopping it completely to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Yes, if you feel unexpected puberty or slowing in growth, please consult your doctor and do as your doctor advises.
No, even if you feel better, you should not stop the medication without consulting your doctor as this might increase the episodes of seizures.
Caffeine is a stimulant that may reduce the calming effects of Epifast 250 Tablet . So, it is advisable to avoid caffeine intakes like coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate containing caffeine.
Yes, Epifast 250 Tablet may cause weight gain as an uncommon side effect. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
Epifast 250 Tablet might take a few weeks to begin working. You may still have seizures during this time.
Epifast 250 Tablet should be taken for as long as it has been prescribed by the doctor. The duration of treatment depends on your condition and response to the treatment.
Epifast 250 Tablet does not cause addiction as it is not a habit-forming medicine.
An overdose of Epifast 250 Tablet may cause sleepiness, aggression, agitation, decreased alertness, breathing problems, and coma. Consult the doctor if you have exceeded the recommended dose of Epifast 250 Tablet .
Epifast 250 Tablet should be discontinued gradually to prevent an increase in seizures. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns, the doctor will recommend gradual withdrawal of Epifast 250 Tablet .
Yes, Epifast 250 Tablet may cause sleepiness as a side effect. Therefore, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery or doing any activities that require alertness unless you know how this medicine affects you.
No, you must never stop taking Epifast 250 Tablet suddenly, even if you have been seizure-free for a long time. Stopping this medicine abruptly can cause dangerous, continuous seizures that require emergency medical treatment. Talk to your doctor to discuss how to slowly and safely lower your dose if stopping is appropriate.
Yes, feeling sleepy, tired, or dizzy is a common side effect when starting Epifast 250 Tablet or after a gradually increasing dose. For most people, this feeling gets better as the body adjusts to the medication. If the tiredness is severe or does not improve, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
You should not start or stop taking Epifast 250 Tablet during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. Uncontrolled seizures can be dangerous to both you and your baby, but your doctor will help you weigh the risks and benefits to find the safest treatment plan. Talk to your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.
No, you should avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase the risk of severe drowsiness and dizziness, and it can also lower your brain's resistance to seizures, making your treatment less effective. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about avoiding alcohol.
Epifast 250 Tablet has fewer drug interactions compared to many other seizure medicines. However, it can interact with drugs that cause sleepiness, such as sedatives, muscle relaxants, or other anti-seizure medications. Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all medications you take.
Yes, some people taking Epifast 250 Tablet may experience mood changes, irritability, anxiety, or unusual behavior. It is important to monitor these feelings, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. If you experience severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm, contact your doctor immediately.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is only a few hours away, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you frequently miss doses.
Always use the oral syringe or dosing cup that comes with your prescription to measure the liquid medicine. Do not use a regular household spoon, as they are not accurate and can cause you to take too much or too little. Talk to your pharmacist if you need help learning how to use the measuring device.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

208, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase Iii, New Delhi - 110020.
Other Info - EPI0418

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